Catheter Retraction Verification Using Sheath Position Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
It is difficult for physicians to determine the exact status of a catheter, particularly whether the expandable distal-end assembly is sufficiently collapsed during withdrawal, which can lead to excessive force and potential damage if not properly verified.
Innovation Solution
A processor combines signals from position sensors on the catheter shaft, distal end, and sheath to verify the sufficiency of balloon collapse and distal distance from the sheath, issuing warnings or adjusting fluid flow to ensure safe retraction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the catheter is withdrawn without verification of balloon collapse, then the withdrawal process is faster, but excessive force may be applied causing damage
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors balloon collapse status and catheter position using sensors, providing real-time feedback to the control system. This feedback loop enables dynamic adjustment of withdrawal speed and force, ensuring safe operation while maintaining efficient procedure completion.
Solution Approach 2:
The system verifies balloon collapse status and catheter position before initiating withdrawal, and continues monitoring throughout the process. This preliminary and continuous verification ensures that withdrawal only proceeds when safe conditions are met, preventing damage while enabling efficient procedure completion.
2Measurement precision
If position sensors are installed on the catheter and sheath, then withdrawal status can be verified, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Magnetic field sensors detect the position of magnetically tagged components on the catheter relative to the sheath. The magnetic field acts as an intermediary that enables non-contact, wireless position detection, simplifying the overall system architecture while maintaining high measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical position sensing mechanisms with magnetic field-based detection. This substitution reduces mechanical complexity, eliminates wear and friction issues, while providing continuous, high-precision position data throughout the withdrawal process.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Ensures safe and controlled withdrawal of the catheter by detecting and addressing insufficient collapse or expansion, preventing damage and facilitating smooth retraction into the sheath.
Implementation Method 1
A magnetic transducer is fixedly attached to the sheath distal end and is transmitting a magnetic field which a sensor disposed on the distal end of a probe is picking up, allowing for a relative distance measurement between the distal ends of the probe and the sheath.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
AI summary
A method includes, in a processor, receiving signals from (i) a first position sensor disposed on a shaft of a catheter, and (ii) a second position sensor disposed on a distal end of a sheath of the catheter. Based on the signals received from the first position sensor and the second position sensor, an event is detected in which an expandable distal-end assembly of the catheter is being withdrawn into the sheath while still at least partially expanded. A responsive action is initiated in response to detecting the event.